10 Dec 2018
Drew Gibbs with his talented brother Tristan
A former Dubbo College student is making a name for himself in the disability game of rugby league.
Tristan Gibbs, 29, completed his education in the special education unit at Dubbo College in 2007 and has since gone on to represent Australia in his chosen sport.
The talented footballer and 2018 Dubbo NAIDOC sportsman of the year, played for the Commonwealth All Stars in the 2018 Commonwealth Games earlier this year, winning a bronze medal.
He also made the World 9s side, rubbing shoulders with local talent and Brisbane Broncos player Kotoni Staggs.
In 2017 Tristan toured New Zealand with the South Sydney team and was named most valuable player, while this year he took on the captaincy of the Indigenous All Stars team.
Tristan is supported in his game by brother Drew Gibbs, who currently works as part of the Dubbo College Clontarf Academy team at Delroy Campus.
“In the disability rugby league game each team is supported by two able-bodied players who can’t kick, score or run forward more than 10 metres,”
Drew said.
“The game has taken Tristan to a number of locations and most recently he earned a gold medal, beating the New Zealand side in an emerging nations world competition played in Western Sydney.
“I really enjoy supporting Tristan and other players because it’s a way of giving back to people, helping them to achieve their dreams.”
Chair of Physical Disability Rugby League Australia, Neil Williamson, said the most common disabilities of participants included conditions like cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and stroke.
“Eligible impairment types include impaired muscle power, athetosis, impaired passive range of movement, hypertonia, limb deficiency, ataxia, leg length difference and short stature.”
Tristan, who thoroughly enjoys his sport, has mild cerebral palsy, as well as intellectual disabilities.
He said he loved the physical contact, especially breaking the opposing line, and he appreciated the opportunity to meet other players.
Tristan is also a regular with his brothers and nephew at the Monday touch competition in Dubbo, as well as playing for the Roosters in the Sydney disability rugby league game once a month in the footy season.
His former Dubbo College teacher and current Senior Campus special education head teacher Bonita Stevens, said Tristan was a highly valued member of the school community.
“Tristan identified with peers and staff at the Senior Campus and exhibited a sense of belonging,” she said.
“This enabled him to readily accept challenges and engage in learning and relevant community connections.
“Tristan really valued school and encouraged his peers to engage, enjoy and find the positive in every situation.
“He has since embraced the transition from school to Dubbo’s post school service providers, creating and maintaining friends, trust, honesty and a positive connection to navigate the next chapters in his journey
“Through his achievements in sport he has become a model of excellence to his peers and to special education staff and students at Dubbo College.”